Anyone use Hotwire for flights?
 

I just got quoted a fare of $384.00 out of Newark to Prague. This is about $100.00 less than any other fare so far. Only thing is they don't let you know what airline or flight schedule. Does anyone have any experience with using Hotwire? Please comment.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Sarah

Sarah,<BR>I've used Hotwire in the last week to book flights for next summer for my family. Click the link on their page to see the list of airlines with which they have contracts. See if you are comfortable flying with any of those airlines. Then keep in mind that you will most likely make one connection and will probably have an early morning flight on the return.<BR><BR>I ended up with an airfare for next summer to London for $517 a ticket on a major airline. It includes one connection and has a very early flight the morning of the return. Since I needed five tickets, this saved me $1700 over the cheapest fare I could find on Expedia or other travel sites. <BR><BR>Could I have saved more by waiting longer, perhaps....however, from what I read, there may be fewer 'seats' available to Europe next summer, and I was more comfortable booking now with a great fare. I received the tickets Fed-Ex with no problems.<BR><BR>Paul

I've used Hotwire many times, and I've always gotten major airlines and reasonable times. My only caveat is to check all the other services first, ie. expedia, travelocity, or orbitz, then see, because I have gotten lower prices at times.

Thanks for your comments. I went ahead and booked with Hotwire. The only worry is that the flight I got is on Swissair, which my mom informed me is having financial trouble. I only thought Sabena was. After calling airlines, travel agents and Hotwire two times, they said they would accomodate me on another airline if there is a problem or refund me. They assured me Swissair is flying again. Any thoughts on what I should do. Do I trust them? Would they issue tickets for a bankrupt airline? I am going to post re: Swissair. I am hoping it works out because I saved over $110.00.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Sarah.

F.Y.I. Here's an article in the Los Angeles Times by Christopher Reynolds entitled "Bargain Hunters Pay a Price for Web Discounts" in which he talks about his experience buying tickets through hotwire.com. <BR><BR>http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-000083801oct21.story